Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Ways For Truck Drivers to Stay Healthy on the Road

Long days on the road can make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are certain areas of one’s health to consider when taking on all trucking jobs. Here’s a look at some problem areas and ways for drivers to protect themselves from an unhealthy lifestyle.

Protection from the sun

Exposure to the sun is unavoidable in all CDL truck driving jobs. Even when a driver does not feel the impact of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, they are still there, even during the winter. Temperatures may be low, although the sun’s ultraviolet rays still penetrate the inside of a truck. When there is snow on the ground, it is just as dangerous since the snow actually reflects sunlight.

Cloud covers also do very little to protect drivers from UV rays. However, there are ways for drivers to protect themselves. Using sunscreen all year around will protect your skin during the daytime hours and sunglasses will keep UV rays from harming your eyes. There are also UV shields that can be installed on truck windshields for added protection.

Mind your meals

It’s easy to reach for whatever is by the counter at a truck stop. Most times, the foods that are the most readily available are some of the worst kinds for your body. Junk food may seem like an easy and quick fix for truckers. However, junk food and fast food lack the good kind of carbohydrates and contain very little protein. The effect of these foods causes a drop in blood sugar after eating which can result in feelings of fatigue and moodiness along with an immediate craving for sugar.

Eating this way also leads to higher levels of obesity. Since trucking jobs require drivers to be off their feet for most of the day, there is more of a need to be mindful of what they eat. Wal-Mart stores and large grocery stores are better stops to find healthier foods and they also offer plenty of parking for trucks. Drinking lots of water is another part of a healthy, daily diet.

Cover the essentials

Every night, people are required to sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep will not only allow truckers to focus better, but it will also make for healthier living. If you are having trouble sleeping, try using a noise machine or downloading an App with sounds that promote easier sleep.

Also, try to get out of your truck and exercise a little bit each day. The Center for Disease Control recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. That equates to a little more than 20 minutes per day of something like taking a brisk walk. Keeping your body right takes a little bit of dedication, discipline and settling into a healthy routine.

T.G. Stegall offers CDL driving jobs based out of Charlotte and can be your next step towards a brighter future. If you are looking for a truck driver job that is right for you, contact our team of professionals today.